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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 08.14 CCM REGULAR SESSION8/14/23 -1- MINUTES OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BROOKLYN CENTER IN THE COUNTY OF HENNEPIN AND THE STATE OF MINNESOTA REGULAR SESSION AUGUST 14, 2023 CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS 1. INFORMAL OPEN FORUM WITH CITY COUNCIL CALL TO ORDER INFORMAL OPEN FORUM The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Informal Open Forum called to order by Mayor April Graves at 6:54 p.m. ROLL CALL Mayor April Graves and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Dan Jerzak, and Teneshia Kragness. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Barb Suciu, Office of Community Prevention, Health and Safety Director LaToya Turk, and City Attorney Jason Hill. Mayor April Graves opened the meeting for the purpose of an Informal Open Forum. Wade P. stated that the City is trying to change State and Federal laws. He suggested finding a group of mechanics or something to provide windshield wipers or bulbs to fix violations. The problems need to be corrected rather than ignored. Mayor Graves stated that the City can’t repeal State or Federal laws. However, they are working on a recommendation to not use minor traffic violations as an excuse to pull a vehicle over for a search. Jeff L. noted that the City is down 16 officers. He asked where the unpaid wages are going. City Manager Reggie Edwards stated unspent dollars return to the general fund. Jeff L. suggested using the excess funds to provide fixes to cars with broken taillights and the like. Councilmember Jerzak moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to close the Informal Open Forum at 6:51 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Graves noted there would be a brief recess. 2. INVOCATION 8/14/23 -2- Mayor Graves reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson shared a quote from Napoleon Bonaparte, “Courage isn't having the strength to go on - it is going on when you don't have strength.” She then read a quote by Saint Francis Assisi, “Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received-only what you have given: a full heart enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice, and courage.” 3. CALL TO ORDER REGULAR BUSINESS MEETING The Brooklyn Center City Council met in Regular Session called to order by Mayor April Graves at 7:02 p.m. 4. ROLL CALL Mayor April Graves and Councilmembers Marquita Butler, Kris Lawrence-Anderson, Dan Jerzak, and Teneshia Kragness. Also present were City Manager Reggie Edwards, Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Barb Suciu, Office of Community Prevention, Health and Safety Director LaToya Turk, and City Attorney Jason Hill. 5. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. 6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA AND CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Graves noted there were minor changes to a spelling error in the July 24, 2023, Regular Session minutes that were discussed during the Study Session. Also, Presentations/Proclamations/ Recognitions/Donations Item 7b. Legislative Appreciation was moved to a future meeting. Councilmember Jerzak moved and Councilmember Butler seconded to approve the Agenda and Consent Agenda, as amended, and the following consent items were approved: 6a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. July 10, 2023 – Study Session 2. July 10, 2023 – Regular Session 3. July 24, 2023 – Study Session 4. July 24, 2023 – Regular Session 6b. LICENSES MECHANICAL Air Express, Inc. P.O. Box 490400, Blaine 55449 Air Force Mechanical, Inc. 2392 40th Street South, Waverly 55390 8/14/23 -3- Blue Yeti Services LLC 4205 Branson St., Edina 55424 CB Mechanical LLC 15658 150th Ave, Foreston 56330 Davis Mechanical Systems Inc 21225 Hamburg Ave, Suite 3, Lakeville 55044 Erickson Plumbing Heating Cooling 1471 92nd Lane NE, Blaine 55449 GV Heating & Air Inc 5182 West Broadway, Crystal 55429 PB Services LLC 9410 Bataan St NE, Blaine 55449 Palen Kimball 1717 University Ave St. Paul 55104 Pember Companies, Inc N4449 469th St., Menomonie 54751 Quality HVAC Solutions II 7501 Duluth St, Golden Valley 55427 RENTAL INITIAL (TYPE IV – six-month license) 6907 Dupont Avenue N Evang Luth Church of the Master INITIAL (TYPE III – one-year license) 5332 Humboldt Avenue N C A Morales & Z A Contreras INITIAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 4201 Lakeside Avenue N, #205 Corbet Cheung 5442 James Avenue N 5707 Emerson Ave N 6318 Brooklyn Drive Kayo Investment RENEWAL (TYPE IV – six-month license) 3012 51st Avenue N Sri Lakshmi Valiveti 2001 54th Avenue N Serendipity Investment Llc 2406 Ericon Drive G B Homes Llc 5325 Knox Avenue N Maria Collaguazo 5712 Logan Avenue N Penrod, LLC 8/14/23 -4- 6009 Aldrich Avenue N Rre Ventures Llc 6009 Aldrich Avenue N Rre Ventures Llc 6015 Dupont Avenue N Home Sfr Borrower Llc 6213 Lee Avenue N Emmanuel Benson & Kaibeh Benson 6501 Beard Avenue N Fyr Sfr Borrower Llc 6800 Fremont Place N Sharon Mcgary 7018 Irving Avenue N Omar A & Ayanna Adams RENEWAL (TYPE III – one-year license) 1112 Emerson Lane Bodhi Emerson, LLC 3612 55th Avenue N Lutheran Social Srvc Of Mn 5313 Northport Drive Ih2 Property Illinois Lp RENEWAL (TYPE II – two-year license) 5801 Xerxes Avenue N Brooklyn Center Ah I 5304 Vincent Avenue N Lou Yang & Pao G Vang 1323 67th Lane N 786 Homes-f23 Llc 5313 62nd Avenue N Chao Vang 5701 Bryant Avenue N Lin Shuang Llc RENEWAL (TYPE I – three -year license) 6121 Brooklyn Boulevard Sanctuary Brooklyn Ctr Lp 3900 51st Avenue N Callaway Helbraun FamRev Tr 5323 Dupont Avenue N A F Nelson & H M Nelson 5642 Logan Avenue N Mnsf T3 Spe Llc 5715 Knox Avenue N AS Properties, LLC 6800 Fremont Place N Sharon Mcgary 8/14/23 -5- SIGNHANGER Spectrum Sign Systems 8786 West 35W Service Drive NE, Blaine 55449 HOSPITALITY ACCOMODATIONS Brooklyn Center Hotel BL23-0439 2200 Freeway Blvd TEMPORARY ON-SALE LIQUOR LICENSE St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Taste of Latin America 7025 Halifax Avenue N September 23, 2023 Motion passed unanimously. 7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 7a. ALTERNATIVE RESPONSE MODEL City Manager Dr. Edwards introduced the item and invited Office of Community Prevention, Health and Safety Director LaToya Turk to continue the Staff presentation. Ms. Turk explained responding to the mental health crisis through innovative public safety strategies is an evolution from reactive to proactive approaches, addressing root causes of social health determinants that impact wellness and safety. Integrating public health principles into public safety initiatives can lead to more resilient and safe communities. This approach goes beyond simply responding to incidents and focuses on promoting community well-being. Applying public health strategies to public safety involves a shift from reacting to incidents to proactively addressing risk factors and promoting protective factors that contribute to community safety. Ms. Turk showed a graphic showing strategy such as prevention, intervention, recovery, and response. Prevention opportunities include school education and exposure opportunities. Intervention refers to real-time engagement while recovery includes connection to resources. Also, response is addressed through community responders. Ms. Turk stated by addressing the root causes of safety concerns, prevention-focused approaches can lead to more resilient and thriving communities. This shift has the potential to significantly reduce crime and improve overall community well-being. Ms. Turk stated key components of prevention in public safety include prevention through risk and protective factor analysis, early intervention and outreach programs, and community engagement and empowerment. Collaborative partnerships include understanding the role of law enforcement and public health agencies and multi-disciplinary teams for holistic solutions. Ms. Turk pointed out there is an opportunity for Brooklyn Center to partner with Hennepin County 8/14/23 -6- for an Alternative Response Team. The County has a current pilot program with Brooklyn Park. The Alternative Response Team (ART) includes a Senior Social Worker that will respond in real- time with a Community Paramedic from North Memorial Health. The team will be dispatched by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center. The ART team will respond to a variety of call types which the 911 caller defines as urgent and nonviolent. Ms. Turk stated from there, the senior social worker will be responsible for completing a needs assessment and providing solution-focused interventions in person, referring for follow-up and complete documentation. This position is an onsite position officed out of the Brooklyn Center Police Department and will require travel throughout various cities in Hennepin County. The work hours for the pilot program in Brooklyn Park are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Ms. Turk noted there are a number of benefits for ART in Brooklyn Center. The program would help develop collaborative relationships with law enforcement, emergency departments, human services, and other community stakeholders/partners, conduct needs and risk assessments of adults, children, and adolescents in crisis in a client’s home or community setting, and utilize solution-focused interventions and together with the individual in crisis, create a personalized crisis/safety plan that is culturally informed, and person-centered. Ms. Turk added the ART program can facilitate immediate treatment planning, disposition, and coordination of recommendations and service coordination, coordinate placement into a facility that provides a higher level of care when an individual is assessed to be unsafe to remain in the community, facilitate immediate service coordination with community providers and connect individuals to new and existing supports. Ms. Turk stated ART would also provide consultation, support, and resources to police officers when responding to behavioral health-related calls, document referrals received and case notes utilizing state and county systems, transport individuals in county vehicles to community providers to further stabilize as needed, and participate in community engagement events. Ms. Turk explained benefits of alternative response teams are often context-dependent and can vary based on the specific program design, community demographics, and local resources. She pointed out the Brooklyn Center has the highest rate of disparities in the State, and the program could be extremely impactful. Ongoing research and data collection are crucial to assess the long- term impact and effectiveness of these initiatives. Ms. Turk stated the potential long-term impact of a program such as ART includes a reduction in the use of force incidents, decreased criminalization of mental illness, improved mental health outcomes, enhanced community trust, increased community well-being, cost savings, preventative impact, better allocation of resources, holistic approaches, and reduced stigma. Ms. Turk noted challenges and opportunities for ART would be overcoming stigma and resistance to change, resource allocation and funding considerations, and addressing socioeconomic disparities. The Hennepin County model is significantly cheaper than previously considered options. Brooklyn Center would only be responsible to cover the salary of the social worker, a 8/14/23 -7- radio to use, and an office space. Ms. Turk showed a chart showing mental health problems and welfare check calls by day and hour over two years, which was put together by the Brooklyn Center Police Department. There would likely be a different need for response hours than what is currently implemented in Brooklyn Park. Ms. Turk added the work plan includes community policing and collaboration, violence prevention programs, mental health crisis response, opioid awareness, youth development initiatives, early intervention initiatives, safe house initiatives, and employment and economic opportunities. Councilmember Butler asked if Brooklyn Center put out an RFP for the services. Ms. Turk stated the City did not do an RFP. Staff did look at other options for alternative response teams, but there was a huge disparity between the County program and other programs for meeting State and Federal requirements as well as costs. Dr. Edwards added the current pilot program is not sufficient to meet the needs of Brooklyn Park, so partnering with the County would likely allow for two shifts to be shared between the two cities. Councilmember Kragness asked what the cost would be to fund the program. Ms. Turk stated the responders would be County or North Memorial employees. The contract would be with Hennepin County. Currently, the idea is to implement a two-year pilot and then reassess. Brooklyn Park does have two teams now, and the city only covers the salary of the social workers while the County pays for the paramedics. Dr. Edwards stated the teams would likely be contracted, whether it be through the County or not. The City does not currently have the skill to deploy the program without contractors. Councilmember Kragness asked if they are aware the hours could change depending on which model is implemented. Ms. Turk stated there is an ongoing conversation about program details with the County, including the potential need for alternative hours. At first, the hours would have to be the same as Brooklyn Park to allow the teams to support one another. Changing the hours has the issue that more seasoned healthcare professionals are not interested in working evening hours. Councilmember Jerzak explained Commissioner Lunde told him the whole board voted to include Brooklyn Center in the pilot program. Also, the intent of the program is to continue beyond the two-year pilot. Councilmember Jerzak pointed out there are challenges with the population because they are allowed to refuse services and may pop up again and again. He asked if the details of the office location and who the employees would report to. Ms. Turk stated the office would be within the Police Department and would report to herself. Mayor Graves asked if a similar position to Ms. Turk’s is being hired for in Brooklyn Park. Ms. Turk confirmed that was true. 8/14/23 -8- Councilmember Kragness stated the intention was to have them separate from law enforcement. Ms. Turk stated they will respond to the same radio as law enforcement. Housing them separately doesn’t promote the collaboration necessary to have a successful alternative response. Dr. Edwards pointed out other jurisdictions have alternative models that are housed separately from law enforcement. Ms. Turk explained some models that are housed separately respond alongside law enforcement rather than in place of law enforcement. Canopy in Minneapolis is an example, and they are contracted by Minneapolis. Councilmember Jerzak noted Brooklyn Park has received the program well and has been interested in an additional shift. It doesn’t make sense for someone to be officed somewhere they aren’t supervised. Ms. Turk stated the response is intended to be a public health response that will complement the law enforcement response model that is already in place. The intention is to create a model that is appropriate for Brooklyn Center rather than to copy Brooklyn Park. Councilmember Jerzak asked if Brooklyn Park is considered successful. Ms. Turk stated it is too early to make a statement either way. Councilmember Butler noted there have been previous liaisons that are housed within the Police Department but report elsewhere. Dr. Edwards added Brooklyn Park has created a similar office to Brooklyn Center’s Office of Community Prevention, Health and Safety, and they expect the new office to supervise the employee. Also, there is already a lack of resources within the Police Department, so it would be unwise to ask them to supervise another person and program. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked how Ms. Turk will be able to know how the program is doing if the position is housed in the Police Department. Ms. Turk stated there is a collaboration between the Office of Community Prevention, Health and Safety, and the Police Department. They are separate entities, but they are both ultimately the City. She speaks with the Police Chief daily. Putting the resource within the Police Department will only enhance the relationship between law enforcement and the community. Councilmember Jerzak asked if law enforcement is on-board with the program and with the proposed reporting strategy. Ms. Turk stated she meets with law enforcement and the County weekly to address details such as reporting structure. Councilmember Jerzak asked if law enforcement is on-board with the program and with the proposed reporting strategy. Ms. Turk stated she has been meeting with the Police Department regularly over the last six months, and there has been no opposition to the location of the employee’s office. 7b. LEGISLATIVE APPRECIATION This item was moved to a future meeting. 8/14/23 -9- 7c. CITY-WIDE SURVEY RESULTS This item was addressed after Council Consideration Items 10b. An Ordinance Amending Chapter 19 of the Brooklyn Center City Code to Prohibit the Use of Cannabis and Hemp Products in Public Places (first reading) as the presenter was not present initially. 8. PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 9. PLANNING COMMISSION ITEMS None. 10. COUNCIL CONSIDERATION ITEMS 10a. RESOLUTION SUPPORTING AN APPLICATION TO THE MINNESOTA HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY TO RECEIVE 4D(1) CLASSIFICATION FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY IN THE CITY Dr. Edwards introduced the item and invited Jason Aarsvold, Ehlers representative, to continue the presentation. Mr. Aarsvold stated on May 8, 2023, the City Council and EDA approved the creation of a new TIF district and held a public hearing regarding the sale of land owned by the EDA for the Wangstad Commons housing development. On July 10, 2023, the EDA approved a TIF Assistance Agreement between the EDA and Wangstad Commons LLLP for the project. Mr. A arsvold explained the 4d classification rate applies only to affordable housing and is set up to be lower than market-rate housing to promote affordability. This revised classification relates to rental property and is now referred to as the 4d(1) tax classification rate. This change will be effective for the pay 2025 tax year. In addition, the legislation also says that in order to qualify for the 4d(1) classification rate, property owners must receive the approval of the city or town where the property is located in the net tax capacity of 4d property in that municipality is greater than 2% of the total net tax capacity of the municipality in the prior assessment year. The Wangstad Commons project’s financial feasibility and approved TIF assistance assume that the project will qualify for the 4d property tax classification rate. Based on calculations for the prior assessment year, Brooklyn Center is over this 2% threshold. Therefore, the Wangstad Commons project must receive City approval to qualify for the 4d(1) tax classification rate. The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MN Housing), as the body administering this program, indicates passage of a resolution supporting Wangstad Commons application for 4d(1) tax status is sufficient to constitute approval under the revised statute. Councilmember Kragness moved and Mayor Graves seconded to adopt a Resolution Supporting 8/14/23 -10- an Application to the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency to Receive 4d(1) Classification for Certain Property in the City. Motion passed unanimously. 10b. AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 19 OF THE BROOKLYN CENTER CITY CODE TO PROHIBIT THE USE OF CANNABIS AND HEMP PRODUCTS IN PUBLIC PLACES (FIRST READING) Dr. Edwards introduced the item and invited City Attorney Jason Hill to continue the presentation. Mr. Hill stated the proposed ordinance prohibits public use of cannabis products, and the definition of “public use” is up to the City. Violation would be a petty misdemeanor. Mr. Hill noted the ordinance is broad and can be adjusted as needed. Councilmember Butler asked what can be sold in stores currently and what is the current licensing process. Mr. Hill stated the Council has not made a decision. There is a draft licensing ordinance that is being reviewed by staff. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson asked if the edibles can be used indoors but smoking is still prohibited, be it tobacco or marijuana. Mr. Hill confirmed that this is correct. Councilmember Jerzak noted his preference to keep the ordinance broad as it gives the City more options. Mayor Graves asked if an establishment that does not sell cannabis wants to allow the use of cannabis, would that be allowed with the ordinance. Mr. Hill stated the ordinance basically says that cannabis can only be used at a private residence or private structure. The language is specifically pulled from the State Statute. Mayor Graves stated the idea seems to be infringing upon business owners’ purview. Mr. Hill stated the use would still be prohibited by the State. However, the State did not define public spaces. It would be ultimately a petty misdemeanor for someone to smoke cannabis in public. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded to approve the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 19 of the Brooklyn Center City Code to prohibit the use of cannabis and hemp in public places and schedule the second reading for August 28, 2023. Motion passed unanimously. Dr. Edwards pointed out that the staff is putting together a community education plan. 7. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS/RECOGNITIONS/DONATIONS 8/14/23 -11- 7c. CITY-WIDE SURVEY RESULTS Dr. Edwards introduced the item and invited Peter Leatherman, Morris Leatherman Company, to continue the presentation. Mr. Leatherman explained 400 random households were sampled in Brooklyn Center. The data is projectable within five percent in 95 out of 100 cases. Telephone interviews were conducted between July 11 and July 28 of 2023. The average interview time was 18 minutes. The non- response level was 5.5 percent. 57 percent of households in Brooklyn Center only have a cell phone while 10 percent only have a landline. Mr. Leatherman showed a graph depicting demographics in Brooklyn Center. 34 percent of households have lived in the community for more than 20 years. As for age, 29 percent of residents are aged 18 to 34. 61 percent of households are homeowners and 38 percent of the population is white. Also, 52 percent of households reported being financially stressed. Mr. Leatherman added one percent of residents are non-binary and 49 percent are female. Precinct 6 included the largest proportion of residents at 21 percent. Precinct 2 was the lowest percentage at 13 percent. Mr. Leatherman showed a quality of life graph compared with previous surveys. Throughout Minnesota, residents have a less favorable view of the quality of life. In Brooklyn Center, 67 percent of Brooklyn Center residents report a good quality of life, and 22 percent indicated only fair quality of life. Overall, Brooklyn Center is on par with the State’s norm. Mr. Leatherman showed a graph with the most liked components of Brooklyn Center which include close to family and friends, housing, close to job, and a peaceful community. The most serious issue reported was crime at 33 percent. However, 14 percent reported there were no serious issues. Mr. Leatherman showed a graph showing the direction of the City over the past few years. The 2009 numbers show the impact of the recession, but Brooklyn Center is still moving in the right direction at 80 percent. Mr. Leatherman stated more people reported feeling more welcome and more accepted, though those are not statistically significant. The opinions of youth, however, had a significant increase in being valued by the City. As for community characteristics, a majority of residents report the housing and shopping opportunities are about right. However, 44 percent of residents believe there are too few retail shopping opportunities. Mr. Leatherman noted there was a decrease in positive feedback regarding general redevelopment. Nonetheless, a large majority still supports continued redevelopment and development incentives. Mr. Leatherman presented a graph that showed a majority of residents thought the code enforcement was about right. They were looking for more enforcement related to the appearance 8/14/23 -12- of properties. Mr. Leatherman showed a graph with City property tax comparison over the years. Brooklyn Center is unique in this aspect as they have the lowest percentage of reporting high taxes in 2023. Property taxes are a hot-button issue across the State. The norm in the metro is for 55 percent of residents to report high property taxes. In Brooklyn Center, only 39 percent of residents reported high property taxes. Mr. Leatherman pointed out the overall assessment of the value of City services was favorable in two-thirds of cases. A majority favor property tax increases to maintain City service levels. However, a majority of residents oppose property tax increases to enhance current or additional offerings. The least favorable City services were street lighting, snow plowing, street maintenance, and drinking water. Mr. Leatherman noted the statistics for street repair are similar to other areas. However, the street lighting statistic is much more unfavorable in Brooklyn Center than in other areas. Mr. Leatherman showed a graph with feedback on unsafe City areas. There has not been a statistically significant increase for that data point over the years. However, there was a statistically significant in those who report feeling safe while walking alone at night in their neighborhood at 79 percent. The norm in the first ring suburbs is 70 percent. Mr. Leatherman added one in five residents believe there is not enough patrolling and traffic enforcement. Mr. Leatherman stated there was an overall positive response regarding the park system at around 80 percent. Mr. Leatherman noted the view of the City’s growing population diversity varied greatly over the years. Over time, the percentage of residents supporting population diversity has doubled. 84 percent believe the City is prepared for growing diversity, which is a significant increase from 2017. Also, 85 percent of people believe their voice is being heard in the community. The norm is about 69 percent, so Brooklyn Center is above average. Mr. Leatherman stated 82 percent of residents approve of City Council, which is slightly higher than the norm. 80 percent of residents show favorable views of the staff, which is lower than the norm of the Twin Cities. However, there has been a huge increase in favorable views of staff since 2009. Mr. Leatherman stated 28 percent of residents had contacted City Hall over the past year. Of those, 80 percent or more had a positive experience. Mr. Leatherman added 42 percent of residents get their information from the newsletter while 28 percent use the City website. The statistic varies greatly across cities. 59 percent want a physical information source, and there is a clear demographic divide. Overall, 88 percent of the community rate the communication of local issues favorably. The current norm is 75 percent. Brooklyn Center residents do feel informed and empowered in the City. Councilmember Jerzak asked if residents generally approve of increases in inflation to maintain current services. Mr. Leatherman confirmed that was correct. It is a general consensus across the 8/14/23 -13- State that desires lower taxes but understands the need for inflation adjustments. Most people support maintenance while few support enhancements of City services. More and more people would like more services, but they simply cannot afford to. Councilmember Jerzak noted most taxes are out of control of the City. He asked if there was any discussion about City taxes in comparison to other taxes. Mr. Leatherman stated the survey specifically only asked for feedback on taxes that go directly to the City. However, a majority of people don’t understand that their taxes go to multiple sources rather than one big pot of money. Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson requested a comparison of the 2017 survey regarding the reason for the wrong track. Mr. Leatherman stated he didn’t have a copy of the 2017 survey. However, the 43 percent of people reporting concern about crime as the reason for the wrong track is only 43 percent of the 16 percent of people that believe the direction of the City is on the wrong track. That translates to about 7 percent of the community saying the City is on the wrong track because of the response to crime. City Clerk Barb Suciu stated she has a spreadsheet comparing all of the previous surveys, and she would provide a copy to Council. Councilmember Kragness noted there was a high number of residents who have lived in the community for a while and plan to stay. There was also a favorable response from residents regarding community, feeling valued, and feeling welcomed. Mayor Graves thanked Mr. Leatherman for the presentation. 11. COUNCIL REPORT Councilmember Jerzak reported on his attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Attended the Hmong Festival • Attended the Health Fair • Attended youth soccer night • Visited multiple farmer’s markets • Reached out to several constituents • Offered Council hours Councilmember Kragness reported on her attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Participated in Night to Unite • Met with Dr. Edwards • Met with Common Sense Consulting Councilmember Lawrence-Anderson reported on her attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Participated in Night to Unite • Continues to volunteer at Farm Fresh on Wednesdays 8/14/23 -14- • Attended Thursday’s farmer’s market • Met with Dr. Edwards • Attended youth soccer event hosted by Luther Automotive and the Parks and Recreation Department • Met with Common Sense Consulting • Attended Health Fair Councilmember Butler reported on her attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Met with Dr. Edwards • Met with Common Sense Consulting • Met with Mr. Langmore Mayor Graves reported on his attendance at the following and provided information on the following upcoming events: • Attended celebration hosted by the first lady of Brooklyn Park • Met with Implementation Committee • Also participated in other activities mentioned by the Council 12. ADJOURNMENT Councilmember Butler moved and Councilmember Jerzak seconded the adjournment of the City Council meeting at 8:34 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.